February 18, 2026 | 06:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is pushing for Indonesia to ban the circulation of electronic cigarettes or vaporizers, commonly known as vapes, following policies adopted by countries such as Singapore, the Maldives, and Thailand.
The Head of the BNN Narcotics Laboratory Center, Supianto, stated that vapes are frequently used as a medium for the abuse of drugs, psychotropic substances, and other addictive materials.
Supianto mentioned that out of 438 sample tests conducted by the BNN, 23.97 percent contained narcotics. Meanwhile, during BNN's investigation and inquiry processes, 100 percent of the provided samples tested positive for narcotics. According to him, the BNN is concerned about the widespread drug abuse through vapes, which poses a significant danger.
"We recommend that vapes should eventually be banned, similar to other countries," he said at the BNN building on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Supianto conveyed this during the Focus Group Discussion on Regulating Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes) and Restricting the Use of Nitrous Oxide in Indonesia. He mentioned that narcotics often found in vape liquids include etomidate, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and tetrahydrocannabinol.
He also emphasized that vapes, even without narcotic content, are hazardous to health. Additionally, vapes, which should only be sold to and consumed by individuals aged 21 and above, are frequently used by minors. "This means that existing regulations are not being adhered to," he said.
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Indonesia Report 2021 revealed that the use of electronic cigarettes in Indonesia increased tenfold over a period of 10 years. The recorded percentage rose from 0.3 percent in 2011 to 3 percent in 2021.
Read: Vaping's Serious Health Impacts: 7 Chronic Diseases due to Vape Use
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